Expo 2020 Dubai, all set to open on opening on October 20, 2020, has commissioned the nation’s first opera.

Al Wasl, which means ‘the connection’ in Arabic, will bring a thousand years of culture to life, showcasing the UAE’s unique heritage from its Bedouin roots to forward-thinking, modern multicultural hub. Combining Emirati and global talent, Al Wasl will span thousands of years, bringing to life the UAE’s rich heritage and sharing its innovative spirit with the world.

The two-hour opera will be performed in both Arabic and English at Dubai Opera. The music will be composed by award-winning composer Mohammed Fairouz and dialogue will be penned by best-selling author Maha Gargash.

“We wanted to create something new for Expo 2020 Dubai that reflects the dynamic, diverse, and tolerant nature of contemporary UAE and our deep-rooted culture and heritage. A new opera, the first for Emirati culture, is in many ways the perfect way for us to do this,” said Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and director general of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.

Al Wasl, produced in collaboration with Welsh National Opera, will be the result of collaboration between more than 100 Emirati and global artists and musicians as well as a production team of 70 professionals. Al Wasl will support the country’s flourishing arts industry, while celebrating the first-ever World Expo to be held in the Arab World.